“While drone piloting remains a current demand, focusing solely on this may not address the industry’s long-term needs. The future requires professionals who understand the entire spectrum of drone technology, from the fundamentals to the applications, enabling them to contribute effectively in the drone industry,” Mr. Nikhil Kela, Business Development Manager, Scientech Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
To learn more about the applications of drones across various industries, the importance of skill training in the drone sector, and multidisciplinary skills in drone training, among others, we conversed with Mr. Nikhil Kela, Business Development Manager, Scientech Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
Below are a few excerpts from our conversation. You can watch the full video on our YouTube channel.
Q. What are the industry expectations regarding the significance of skilling and training in the drones and UAV sector?
A. Drones have evolved significantly from being seen as mere toys to essential tools with limitless applications. While defence applications like surveillance and monitoring remain prominent, the potential of drones extends far beyond the defence sector.
In agriculture, drones are utilized for efficient pesticide spraying, enhancing farm productivity, and safeguarding farmers from harmful chemical exposure. The scope of drone use in agriculture is broader than spraying. Research institutes have been leveraging drones to collect data on crop growth, weather patterns, and climate impacts. This data-driven approach aids in understanding how various factors affect different crops, contributing to sustainable agriculture practices.
The mining industry in India is also embracing drones, starting with mine mapping as mandated by the Ministry of Coal. However, companies are exploring additional applications such as safety monitoring, volumetric estimation, and equipment oversight, particularly for large machinery.
It’s worth noting that we are still in the early stages of discovering the full potential of drones in various sectors. As knowledge and experience grow, more applications are expected to emerge, making drones a promising technology across industries.
Q. How effective are current training programs in meeting industry needs, especially in utilizing data collected by drones in sectors like agriculture? What are the existing training options, and where do skills gaps exist in this emerging field?
A. In the ever-evolving drone industry, education plays a pivotal role due to the constant need for upskilling and adapting to changing technology and applications. Initially, drones were primarily used for tasks like pesticide spraying, but as technology advances, automation becomes a possibility.
The industry’s future is moving towards precision agriculture, a multidisciplinary field that includes ground-based sensors, irrigation machinery, and software. The challenge lies in integrating data from various proprietary networks into a cohesive ecosystem. Education and skilling programs must bridge this gap by providing exposure to the broader drone ecosystem and nurturing skills related to data integration, application development, and problem-solving.
Education should encompass the basics of drone technology and avionics, mechanics, electronics, and material science. This comprehensive approach ensures that individuals are aware of drones’ essential components and limitations. As automation and new technologies emerge, students and professionals will be better equipped to adapt, optimize, and innovate within the drone industry.
Q. How can a multidisciplinary drone training curriculum in educational institutions be designed to achieve tangible outcomes in specific industries or sectors?
A. In the traditional educational approach, especially in engineering, each discipline, like computer science, mechanics, or electronics, incorporates aspects of drone technology into its curriculum. For instance, computer science might include computer vision for drone applications. However, this approach often remains within the confines of individual disciplines.
To fully harness the potential of drone technology, there is a need for greater interdisciplinary collaboration. This means breaking down the barrier between different fields and encouraging multidisciplinary learning. While some institutions have established centres of excellence that bring together experts from various backgrounds, this integration may only sometimes be a formal part of the curriculum.
To further advance the integration of drone technology in education, there is a call for more guidance and support from governing institutions and industry partners. Collaborations between educational institutions and industry can play a crucial role in helping institutes navigate the complexities of implementing multidisciplinary drone programs effectively.
Q. How can other organizations initiate industry collaborations with Scientech technologies?
A. Anyone interested is welcome to reach out to us. We are committed to expanding the drone ecosystem and are open to collaboration. We have worked with various institutes at different levels to establish drone training programs, offering guidance and even providing trained faculty to address knowledge gaps. Industry participation in such initiatives is vital for the growth of the drone sector. For further details, please visit our website or contact us directly.
Q. Is there anything else you would like to say?
A. It is essential to acknowledge that drone regulations can seem restrictive. The government’s proactive approach in shaping policies, sometimes even ahead of industry demand, is a positive aspect.
The drone industry offers significant growth potential; collaboration is a key driver of progress. We are witnessing a willingness among software firms, manufacturers, and institutes to collaborate and support drone education and skilling initiatives.
Also read: 3 Ways to integrate multidisciplinary skills in drone training
Beyond applications and manufacturing, India should aspire to become a global leader in designing drone technologies, including payloads, batteries, electronics, and avionics. While there may be dependencies on foreign technology currently, a shift towards design-focused education can position India as a leader and further contribute to the drone industry’s growth. Fostering a design-oriented mindset in our education system can propel India to the forefront of the global drone technology landscape.
